Genre-blending storytelling and a melting pot of influences have created an opportunity to construct a new type of soundtrack with Barbaric Drama (MOPM-086). The rules are out the window and epic trailer toms combine with medieval flutes while theremins and bold brass bring out the darkness.

“Motivation” can be such a buzzword, tossed around in office staff meetings and Monday-related memes. But it can be so much more than that. Leaning mainly on smooth synthesizers, upbeat electronic percussion, and organic keyboard elements, Synthful Motivation breathes new life into corporate pop.

Whether you’re just learning about us or have been eagerly following us for years, our blog is full of interviews, explorations, and sonic discoveries that give readers insight into our music, partners, composers, and industry. Here are a few standouts from 2020.

Pandemics and dumpster fires aside, our dedication to sharing all manner of handcrafted sonic inspiration has never wavered. And while we love all of the releases we’ve put out this year, we’ve selected a few favorites from each of our curated labels.

Take a listen to our newest music: Human Connections (MOPM-80), Under the Moon v2 (UND-56), and EDM (HK-18), and Sinister Motives (MOPM-81).

While working in the lab late one night, my ears beheld some grooves that were tight. But not every spooky spot needs the “Monster Mash,” “Thriller,” or Harry Belafonte. So we rounded up some of our most haunting albums for all of your Halloween licensing needs, complete with a ghoulish playlist of the stand out tracks from our entire catalog.

Adorned with dreamy pads, drum machines, and an array of synths, Immortal Girlfriend explore undiscovered sonic territory, taking detours down dark and cavernous streets.

Things got a little crazy in the lab this month. Make it to the end and you may ask yourself: where did they go wrong? OR where did they go right? We’ll let you decide.

Another eclectic round up of new music for you today, featuring a melancholy single from Fellesskap Records, industrial soundscapes, simple Americana textures, electro with influences from around the world, and whimsical sounds built for exploration and fun.

For our first roundup of 2020, we’ve got a reflective, confident vibe going on with these releases. There’s plenty of lo-fi and chill hip-hop, sunny and anthemic tracks, and uplifting percussive beats with a global twist. We also added a bit about practical applications for each release.

This year has been full of change for us at The License Lab. And as we close out 2019, it’s important to go back to the reason why we do all of this: the music. With that in mind, we’ve gone through this year’s releases and highlighted some of our favorites.

With the magic of bingeable fantasy sagas and sci-fi blockbusters in mind, we’ve created our own playlist of epic scores to give your next fantasy/sci-fi saga (or podcast about an existing saga) the proper anthemic and dramatic music to tell the tale. No lens flare necessary.

In this roundup we feature hot electronic tracks from UNDERscore and our final holiday album of the year.

‘Tis the season for odious amounts of Michael Bublé, terrible covers of classic Christmas songs, and that one Band Aid song. But you don’t want that. Your story requires something more unique but still communicates all the holly jolly feelings of the season. Here’s a special roundup of our holiday albums from your friends at The License Lab.

In this roundup we’re diving into some indie vibes, menacing premonitions, and two new electronic-based albums from our UNDERscore label that were specially created in response to your feedback and requests. With plenty of opportunity for modern spots, podcasts, and highlights, we’re pleased to showcase such a wonderful batch of new albums to serve as the sound of your next story.

There are thousands upon thousands of podcasts available. Every decent one has a solid concept, engaging host, and quality production. But the great podcasts have something more — purposeful music. For a closer look at this, we check out of one of the standout podcasts going today, Lore.

Releasing new music is always a thrill for us at The License Lab, but we find it especially fun when there is such eclectic offering to share with you. This roundup is certainly one of those. From authentic Indian instrumentation to an occasionally sinister harp to shopping-spree-madness-infused rock and roll, these albums absolutely run the gamut.

This week’s new releases hit heavy on Trap and splinter off from there. You get some shiny and positive pop, a cosmic trip, and soothing synthesis. This is an ideal mix of albums for modern and trendy messaging.